The Salvation Army Responding with Emotional and Spiritual Care, Food and Hydration After Las Vegas Tragedy

“Salvation Army Clark County Coordinator Major Randy Kinnamon has mobilized our Southern Nevada corps officers to area hospitals to offer emotional and spiritual care. Social Services Director Phillip Hollon is also working with local first responders to determine other ways in which we can help,” said Lt. Col. Kelly Pontsler, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Southwest Division.

We ask that everyone please pray for the families and friends of those who have lost their lives or were injured, as well as the first responders and Salvation Army officers and employees who are serving and ministering to the community.”

The Salvation Army has officers on-site providing emotional and spiritual support at the two hospitals where the vast majority of victims are being treated: UMC Hospital, which is currently on lockdown, and Sunrise Hospital. There are also Salvation Army officers at Spring Valley Hospital and St. Rose Hospital, where other victims are being treated.

Major Kinnamon reports that there is a tremendous need for life-saving blood donations, and people are encouraged to give at the Labor Health & Welfare Clinic, at 7135 W. Sahara, or any United Blood Services location: unitedbloodservices.org/lv.

The Salvation Army has dispatched a mobile canteen to the United Blood Services location at 6930 W. Charleston Blvd. to provide food and hydration for those waiting in long lines to donate. Mobile canteens are also being considered at other strategic locations in the city.

Needs are also being evaluated at the Thomas and Mack Center, which has be opened up as a shelter.

The Salvation Army, established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Approximately 25 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: relief for disaster victims, food for the hungry, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter for the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. Eighty-two cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army are used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. The Salvation Army tracks the level of need across the country with the Human Needs Index (HumanNeedsIndex.org).